Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Fontana

California
146

Norfolk is 39% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,246/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 39%
$64,017/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 53%
$271,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 105%
$1,366/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 46%
235,037
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $34,170/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Fontana — common questions

Is Norfolk or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Fontana?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Fontana?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $34,170/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Fontana details →

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